Despite being ten years old, the second-generation Volvo XC90 remains one of the brand’s best-selling models globally, including in the U.S. With a focus on limiting heavy investments in new gasoline-powered models, Volvo Cars has opted to refresh the XC90 rather than replace it with an all-new version, resulting in an unusually long product lifecycle.
Does the 2026 Volvo XC90 have what it takes to challenge much newer models in the segment and meet the emerging needs of today’s electrified vehicle customers? Here’s what we think:
Design
The 2026 Volvo XC90 echoes the design of the electric equivalent EX90 and the sub-compact EX30 and possesses a more polished character than the outgoing SUV. It features a more confident-looking front fascia with sharper and more elegant details, and that’s the area with the most significant visual updates.
The signature Thor’s Hammer headlights have a sleeker shape and more striking graphics, serving as the strongest connection with the aforementioned new Volvo SUVs. A new grille with diagonal bars gives the 2026 XC90 a more contemporary styling, while a shorter hood and new, vertical side air vents lend it more assertiveness. There’s also a new bumper, which gives the large SUV a touch of sportiness.
On the sides, new multispoke alloy wheels emphasize the sophisticated character of the 2026 XC90. At the rear, the vertical tail lights feature a modernized signature and a darker appearance.
Interior
The revisions inside the 2026 Volvo XC90 are subtle. The dashboard has a more horizontal and contemporary shape and it features slimmed-down central AC vents to go with the new more upscale look. Another minor change is a sportier steering wheel with an opening in the bottom spoke.
Volvo Cars has improved the XC90’s practicality by adding more storage space in the centre console, including a third, smaller cupholder. The company has relocated the wireless phone charger behind the central tunnel and separated it from the main storage area to improve convenience.
For us, the biggest change visually and technically in the 2026 XC90 is an 11.2-inch free-standing portrait touchscreen infotainment system instead of the outgoing model’s 9-inch integrated unit. The new touchscreen infotainment system is not only bigger but also sharper, featuring 21% higher pixel density, although we do wish it had thinner bezels. Additionally, it offers better ergonomics, presenting the frequently used apps and controls on the home screen.
Electrified Engines
The 2026 Volvo XC90 will be available in the B5 and B6 mild-hybrid variants and the T8 plug-in hybrid variant. Volvo Cars didn’t state the changes for these variants at the world premiere, suggesting they carry over the powertrains.
B5 & B6
In the current model, the B5 variant pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 247 hp and 266 lb.-ft. of torque with an electric motor generating 13 hp and 30 lb.-ft. of torque. The B6 variant uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged engine developing 295 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque with the same electric motor. A 48-volt battery pack powers the electric motor assisting the engine in both variants.
T8
The T8 variant currently employs a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine good for 306 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque and an electric motor that develops 143 hp and 228 lb.-ft. of torque. This combination gives the PHEV 455 hp of total power and 523 lb.-ft. of total torque. A 14.7 kWh (net) battery pack powers the electric motor and delivers an EV-only range of 32 miles.
New Volvo XC90 Release Date
The 2026 Volvo XC90 will enter production in late 2024 and should arrive in the U.S. by spring 2025.
The XC90 is a key model for Volvo in the U.S., one of its largest markets. In 2023, it was Volvo’s best-seller in the region with 39,920 units sold, reflecting a 17.1% year-over-year growth and surpassing the XC60. Globally, it was the brand’s third best-selling model, with 107,549 units delivered.
Volvo PHEVs & EVs models gain popularity worldwide
Volvo Cars says that the demand for plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles is rising. Last year, Volvo Cars sold 113,419 BEVs, a growth of 70% compared to 2022, and 152,561 PHEVs, which was a 10 percent increment compared to 2022. In the first half of 2024, the company delivered 90,760 BEVs, marking a 53% year-over-year growth.
MY2025 XC90 for the U.S. released as a carryover model
Volvo Cars has given the XC90 a regular update in America, and brought it forward to the 2025 model year. Multiple dealers listed the 2025 Volvo XC90 online, featuring no apparent design changes.
We’ve seen it in stock at several dealerships, including Volvo Cars Of Saint Louis in Missouri, Byers Volvo Cars in Ohio, Chattanooga Volvo Cars in Tennessee, and Volvo Cars Jackson in Mississippi. As mentioned, we’re not expecting to see the refreshed SUV in U.S. stores before early next year.
EX90: The XC90’s pure-electric alternative
Volvo Cars has launched the Volvo EX90 as a pure-electric alternative to the XC90 in the U.S. Adopting a dual-platform strategy, Volvo developed the ‘SPA2’ with two unique floor assemblies: one for hybrid models like the XC90 that partially run on fossil fuel, and one for fully-electric models.
TopElectricSUV says
Despite a clear push toward electric vehicles, Volvo knows that gas-electric vehicles are still profitable and popular models, and has worked for years to achieve its current status. With many countries behind the curve on EV adoption, and question marks hanging over the state of the charging infrastructure in the U.S., electrified SUVs have a big part to play this decade as a bridge for customers who are reluctant to go fully electric.
The Volvo XC90 continues to be popular with luxury family SUV buyers who seek high value for money, unmatched safety, and a true Scandinavian design. In particular, the XC90 PHEV will help ease customers into transitioning to the EX90.
New Volvo XC90 FAQs
What is the 2026 Volvo XC90’s release date?
We expect the refreshed Volvo XC90 to reach U.S. dealers in spring 2025.
Which models will the new XC90 compete with?
The XC90’s alternatives include the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Mercedes GLE.
What will be the 2026 Volvo XC90’s price?
Volvo Cars should price the 2026 XC90 from around $58,000 for the mild-hybrid.
Featured Image Source: Volvo Cars